State legislators today sent to Gov. Deval L. Patrick a bill to exempt shoppers from the state's 5 percent sales tax on Aug. 11 and 12. Patrick will sign the bill, a spokeswoman said.

The state Senate voted 33-4 to pass the sales tax holiday and the state House of Representatives also gave the bill final approval. The six senators from Western Massachusetts voted in support.

Sen. Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham, said the event provides an extra benefit for retailers in Western Massachusetts because it attracts shoppers from Connecticut.

Candaras said the sales tax holidays are tremendous for retailers and consumers.

"People in my district wanted the sales tax holiday," she said.

Shoppers won't have to pay the tax for those two days on any single item worth $2,500 or less.

Massachusetts is among 15 states and the District of Columbia with sales tax holidays this month.

Connecticut will have its own sales tax holiday from Aug. 19 to 25 for clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item.

Senators voted 31-5 against an amendment by Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei, R-Wakefield, to establish a permanent sales tax holiday on an August weekend.

"Let's send a strong signal to consumers," said Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, who supported the amendment. "Retailers are as important as biotech, high tech and manufacturing. It's a sector we need to nurture."

The House last week also voted against a move for a permanent tax-free shopping weekend.

Legislators have now approved laws for sales tax holidays four consecutive years. One opponent of the sales tax holiday, Sen. Robert L. Hedlund, R-Weymouth, said consumer spending is strong and it doesn't need any stimulation with tax-free shopping days.

"This tax cut falls somewhat into the category of a gimmick," Hedlund said.

Senators today also voted 35-0 to require car booster seats for older children. Under the bill, booster seats would be required for children until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first.

Right now, infants and small children in Massachusetts must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they are at least 5 years old and weigh more than 40 pounds. Booster seats are mandatory for children who weigh more than 40 pounds but are less than 5.

Advocates said that when children get too big for a car seat, they still should have a booster seat until they turn 8.

"The child booster seat law will save children's lives at small costs to parents and no additional costs to taxpayers," Candaras said.